Theater has often been described as a way for the common man to explore the universe, see and experience things that may normally be out of reach.
In its 5th season, TCP acted as a travel agent for audiences, planning and accompanying them to destinations exotic, dangerous and fanciful.
The itinerary was dictated by finely written scripts, beautiful music, remarkable memories and imagination. The most important ingredient in theater travel is always imagination.
TCP planned this adventure for their audience it was decided that a nice, European escape would be just the ticket. First stop: “Transylvania!”
I have always had an irrational fear of vampires. I know they aren’t real, that Count Dracula was born and developed in the fertile mind of Braham Stoker, that I am as safe afterdark from the ravages of the undead as I am at high noon. I know that in my head, but I still get goose-bumps when I think of them, hear the name, remember the story. I mention that only to emphasize what an interesting choice of plays DRACULA was for me to direct. I suppose that a well written script is as intoxicating as a bottle of fine, well – Transylvanian wine! DRACULA assembled a superb team of technical specialists as well as accomplished actors. This script offered numerous challenges to both. We needed a bat ( And the real one TCP had named Ruth, who lived in the theater of the YMCA, chose this show to limit her appearances.) and Mike Cave came through with an ingenious rigging to allow the Count flight across the stage in his rodent form. (Although I do seem to remember something about a gloved hand reaching from the wings to retrieve a hung-up bat.) He was also ingenious in his imaginative design for the death scene of the infamous vampire, complete with disintegration. This show could not have been accomplished without Mike’s brilliant creativity.
I was also very fortunate to work with an excellent cast of performers. Brian Anderson and Christine Lusardi brought the characters of the Count and Lucy to life so vividly and intensely, that they frightened me at each and every rehearsal. I will never forget the scene where Christine, portraying Lucy, was standing behind the sofa and, with her acting skills alone, transformed herself into the vampire slave of the Count. Wow! it still gives me chills, and frightens me enough to move on to our next destination.
Next stop, World War 2 Austria.
Spring of 1989 took the Players back to the auditorium of the Tyrone High School to perform another joint production. The beautiful Alps of Austria were realized with an exquisite set design by Andrew Moore, complete with a stone abbey spanning the entire breadth of the stage. The mountains themselves, imposing stairways in the Captains house, arches and gardens created a visual so realistic that you would believe you were actually there. In fact, I think I may still have some travel photos tucked away in an album somewhere.
Expertly directed by Steve Stoner, THE SOUND OF MUSIC was one of the most beautiful productions I have ever experienced. Once again, TCP combined the talents of the community, school district and students to merge a cast of close to 50 performers with a live orchestra to bring the story of the Von Trapp family into our travel time. Close your eyes and imagine Brian Anderson and Vickie Morrisey carrying and leading their seven, leiden-hosen clad children through the center aisle of the audience to freedom. All the while, in the background, a chorus of nuns was singing “Climb Every Mountain.” It was quite a theater moment, but since the Von Trapps have left the building, so should we.
Final stop on this leg of our journey – jolly old England.
The theater in the YMCA was unable to house our intrepid band of thespians for the final two shows of this season, so for the summer dinner theater the Players returned to Fort Roberdeaux in Sinking Valley. The Fort had just completed construction of a Revolutionary style barn on the premises, and TCP used this venue to perform ROBIN HOOD. Dinner was offered in the lower level of the barn, served by ale toting wenches, in true old world style. Wild flowers dressed tables laden with tin plates, wooded utensils, crusty breads and stew. We were in jolly old England before we even entered the theater space TCP had prepared on the upper level of the barn.
ROBIN HOOD completed a triptych this season for Brian Anderson as he portrayed Robin Of Loxley. By his side was his best friend, in life and in the play, Gib Lucas as Friar Tuck.
The band of Merry Men captured the hearts of TCP viewers, and the show’s run had to be expanded to accommodate audience demand. Once again, the setting helped bring the Players and the viewers directly into the world they, together, were creating.
Five seasons were history. Memories piled into scrapbooks, and stored in vaults of remembrance. Five seasons that flew by on the wings of music and fairies, ghosts and ghouls, visions and accomplishments. Five down, an infinite amount of ideas to go!
